With a background in both fine art photography and visual marketing, I understand the importance of making a great first impression to attract your ideal customers. I create stunning portraits that not only make you look your best, but also expertly present your brand image.

I love when a client sees her portraits and says, “I can hardly believe those photographs are me!”

If you’re ready to stand out as an expert in your field, set up your brand consultation today.

My Mission is to capture beautiful, professional, and powerful high quality portraits of people that showcases their authentic self and clearly identifies their brand image;while providing a fun and exciting photography experience.

“I want people to see the beauty in their own truth”.

THAT WAS THEN

I grew up surrounded by art and photography. My Mom was an artist and my Dad was a professional photographer. Growing up in this kind of family was a lot of fun. My father had a great sense of humor and I always looked forward to doing family projects. I have great memories “modeling” for my parents and playing dress-up. My mother would often require material for her to draw from. She would sew or rent costumes from NBC wardrobe. Then she would set-up a backdrop, or create a set in our backyard, and photograph us and friends “in character.” Basically, a bunch of people being total goof balls.

My father was a big influence in my interest in photography. Taking art classes and photography classes all through high school and graduating as Artist of the Year. I knew I wanted to be a photographer and pursued a BA degree in Fine Art Photography from Arizona State University. Through college I worked as a graphic layout artist at a local reprographics center. After I graduated I got a job working as a pre-press graphic artist for an offset printer called Red Mountain Printing.

“Love the people God gave you because one day, He’ll take them back”. Becky Kinder

While working at Red Mountain Printing I got a commissioned job by one of their clients to photograph a product. This was a big deal, and I really wanted to do well so I could showcase a high end product shot in my portfolio. My Dad was so proud of me and helped me prepare for the shoot for months before the scheduled session date.

The weekend I planned to photograph the product I pushed all my furniture aside and turned my living room into a photography studio. My father was on a camping trip that weekend. He was so incredibly supportive and managed to call me several times to check on my progress. This was a lot more difficult back then, no one had cell phones. The night before I was planning on photographing I did my final tests. My Dad said to me “good luck, you’re going to do great, I will talk to you on Monday.”

That night, when he and his girlfriend were driving home from their trip, their car veered off the road and flipped and my father was killed instantly. At first, I could not accept that my father was gone. I was completely numb. But the next day I had to continue with photographing the product. It was a completely surreal situation. Dealing with a very technical and complicated shoot, feeling intense sorrow, and under so much pressure. The stress was unbearable. Crying hysterically while trying to focus on the product and really not giving a crap about it at all. It was a disaster! In the end, the client didn’t use the images and I felt like I was a failure and I failed my father.

THIS IS NOW

How does this the story about my father relate to what I do now? I felt like I lost everything in an instant, not only my father and my mentor but also the direction I wanted to take my career. I wanted to do commercial and fashion. So, I was still very determined to learn got a job working as a photographer for a glamour photography studio. Within a year I became manager and did that for the next 11 years.

I did freelance portraiture on the side while working many jobs. Although, I was always fearful of starting my own business and freelancing as a photographer full time. Because of this, I held back, and worked more jobs as a graphic artist and outreach designer. I learned a ton about marketing and visual presentation but doing graphics was not what I wanted to do full time. I was afraid to start my own business, especially in a big city like Phoenix.

Finally, I took a huge leap of faith and relocated to San Luis Obispo and started my own business. I came to the conclusion that I love helping people relish in their own joy, beauty, and authenticity. I wanted to help people find the final piece of the puzzle. That is showcase yourself as a high end brand as their true self. What makes people different from each other is a gift. Once there is an integration of who they really are into their business then they have found their voice.

A very real fact that many entrepreneurs face is being “visible” can feel quite uncomfortable at first. They are afraid they might be rejected when they show the world who they really are. However, being vulnerable is the first step in being truly genuine. I was serious about growing my business and I decided to see this as a test to understanding and accepting myself. This was, and still is my own journey. Ultimately though, this is where I found my own joy.

I approached Gina Cinardo because I have seen samples of her work. Her work is both professional and artistic. After talking with Gina I realized that she is capable to project the image that I felt would best sell my product. Her easy style and technical knowledge were combined at our session and the end result gave me just what I needed to do the job. I strongly recommend Gina to any Entrepreneurs who want to have professional business cards made.

Nisa K.

Pismo Beach, CA

Amazing photos! That basically sums it up. For a long time I have wanted to step outside of my comfort zone and do a boudoir photo shoot. I met Gina, found out that she is a glamour photographer and we started the planning. We had a blast and Gina made me feel really comfortable. I would highly recommend Ginici Studios for your next glamour or boudoir shoot. You will have photos to cherish for many years!

Vikki G.

San Luis Obispo, CA

I wish you could have seen my husbands reaction to the beautiful work and product you created. There are tear drops on the folio box that will always be a reminder of how profound this gift was. Thank you Gina for your talent and love for what you do. In other words HE LOVED IT!!

Irene N. - Money Mindset Specialist

Los Osos, CA

Gina Cinardo created a professional image for my business profile, which I believe has resulted in exceptional advertising for my business and for my recognition in the legal community. I needed a "professional" image for my business cards, website, and for signage on my car. Through Gina's lighting techniques and expertise with various lenses and attention to detail, she created both a professional and friendly approachable image to help me portray what I have to offer to my clients. I would highly recommend anyone to hire Gina to produce a professional image to help you promote yourself in the business community. First impressions are lasting impressions and in this electronic age of communication, often times a picture is the only time your client sees the face behind your voice or your email.

Carol R.

San Luis Obispo, CA

Gina has a gift for building immediate rapport with her subjects. I felt very comfortable with her suggestions and guidance, and as a result, the photos she captured were stunning. I will always be grateful to Gina for such an easy and natural photoshoot.

Jennifer M.

Austin, TX

Ginici helped me create a series of pin-up photos for my husband’s wedding gift a la Frank Frazetta & Alberto Vargas. His third tour overseas is coming up and he still always keeps two of these photos with him at all times. They are his and my favorite pictures. I’m so thankful for Ginici’s creative eye, sense of professionalism and style (especially when it comes to partials & nudes!), and her strengths in editing while maintaining a sense of realism in our photos really made the difference in making these our favorite photos.